Meta to build its own ai search engine, ditch Google and Microsoft Bing

Meta has been hard at work on its own artificial intelligence (AI) search engine for eight months to reduce its reliance on Google and Microsoft Bing. The proprietary search engine will allow AI answers to be directly integrated into the company’s apps like Instagram and Facebook, and will eventually replace the external search engines it currently uses, The Verge reports.

Meta’s AI bots currently rely on Google and Bing data to process queries about current events on Instagram and Facebook. However, Meta intends to end this practice by implementing an internal search engine that will work exclusively with its own database. The plan is to integrate with Meta’s existing AI tools, allowing the AI ​​bots to process user queries more autonomously and efficiently.

One of the most important steps in creating the new Meta search engine was the implementation of its own search robot, which has been actively indexing information from open sources on the Internet for several months now. This allows Meta to create its own extensive database, which will form the basis of the AI ​​bot and ensure Meta’s independence from external platforms. Notably, the data collection began even before reaching agreements with news agencies.

In addition to developing search algorithms, Meta also collects geographic data, which will allow the company to compete with Google Maps in the future. In September, it was also revealed that Apple is developing its own search tools to improve the App Store experience, which shows the general desire of tech giants to create independent AI-powered search services. As a result, the fight for control over user data is intensifying, and Meta is looking to become a major player in this process.

Meta recently signed a multi-year agreement with international news agency Reuters, which will provide its AI bot with access to verified information. This partnership is likely to increase user trust in the corporation and will be an important step towards creating a reliable and up-to-date database for AI search.

Meta is not the only company seeking to create its own AI search engine. OpenAI has also confirmed the development of a system called SearchGPT. Meanwhile, News Corp has filed a lawsuit against another AI search engine, Perplexity. Other publishers, including The New York Times, have threatened similar lawsuits. According to the filing, these legal challenges highlight the importance of regulation for companies that develop independent AI search engines, especially if they use content from major media companies.